Global Abortion Policies Database
A tool to expand knowledge, encourage transparency, and promote accountability.
| Country or Region | |
|---|---|
India |
No
Read more On requestNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesThe Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
| Country | Economic or social reasons |
Foetal impairment |
Rape |
Incest |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the woman |
Mental health |
Physical health |
Health |
Life |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
India |
Economic or social reasonsNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
Additional notesThe Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Foetal impairmentYes Gestational limit
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesThe Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
RapeNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesAccording to the 2021 Act, where the length of the pregnancy exceeds twenty weeks but does not exceed twenty-four weeks and if not less than two registered medical practitioners are of the opinion formed in good faith, And for the purpose of clause (b), For the purposes of clauses (a) and (b), where any pregnancy is alleged by the pregnant woman to have been caused by rape, the anguish caused by the pregnancy shall be presumed to constitute a grave injury to the mental health of the pregnant woman. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
IncestNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Additional notesThe Comprehensive Abortion Care Service Delivery Guidelines state that: a pregnancy can be terminated by a registered medical practitioner (under the MTP Act) if: l The continuation of pregnancy involves a risk to the life of the pregnant woman or causes grave injury to her physical or mental health. The anguish caused by the unwanted pregnancy in the following situations is presumed to cause grave injury to the mental health of the pregnant woman, including in cases of rape or incest. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Intellectual or cognitive disability of the womanNo Additional notesThe Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. |
Mental healthYes Gestational limit
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesAccording to the 2021 Act, where where the length of the pregnancy does not exceed twenty weeks and where any pregnancy occurs as a result of failure of any device or method used by any woman or her partner for the purpose of limiting the number of children or preventing pregnancy, the anguish caused by such pregnancy may be presumed to constitute a grave injury to the mental health of the pregnant woman. And for the purpose of clause (b), For the purposes of clauses (a) and (b), where any pregnancy is alleged by the pregnant woman to have been caused by rape, the anguish caused by the pregnancy shall be presumed to constitute a grave injury to the mental health of the pregnant woman. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Physical healthYes Gestational limit
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesThe Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
HealthNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Health grounds shall reflect WHO’s definitions of health, which entails a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Abortion Care Guideline § 2.2.2.
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LifeYes Gestational limit
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Grounds-based approaches to restricting access to abortion should be revised in favour of making abortion available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against laws and other regulations that restrict abortion by grounds. The guideline recommends abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person.
Laws or policies that impose time limits on the length of pregnancy may have negative consequences for women, including forcing them to seek clandestine abortions and suffer social inequities. Safe Abortion Guidelines, § 4.2.1.7.
Additional notesThe Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
OtherThe following categories of women shall be considered eligible for termination of pregnancy under clause (b) of sub- section (2) Section 3 of the Act, for a period of up to twenty-four weeks, namely:- (a) survivors of sexual assault or rape or incest; (b) minors; (c) change of marital status during the ongoing pregnancy (widowhood and divorce); (d) women with physical disabilities [major disability as per criteria laid down under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (49 of 2016)]; (e) mentally ill women, including mental retardation; (f) the foetal malformation that has substantial risk of being incompatible with life or if the child is born it may suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities to be seriously handicapped; and (g) women with pregnancy in humanitarian settings or disaster or emergency situations as may be declared by the Government.
The anguish caused by the unwanted pregnancy in the following situations is presumed to cause grave injury to the mental health of the pregnant woman where there has been failure of any device or method used by a married woman or her husband for the purpose of limiting the number of children. Additional notesIn 2022, the Indian Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to distinguish among women as per their marital status. The Court held that a change in the marital status of women often leads to a change in her material circumstances. In this regard, the widowhood and divorce shall only be considered illustrative, and cannot be interpreted to exclude unmarried women. The decision also held that survivors of sexual assault, rape or incest may also include married women. The Court stated that each case must be tested against this standard with due regard to the unique facts and circumstances that a pregnant woman finds herself in. Related documents: |
| Country | Authorization of health professional(s) |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities only |
Judicial authorization for minors |
Judicial authorization in cases of rape |
Police report required in case of rape |
Parental consent required for minors |
Spousal consent |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat required |
Compulsory counselling |
Compulsory waiting period |
Mandatory HIV screening test |
Other mandatory STI screening tests |
Prohibition of sex-selective abortion |
Restrictions on information provided to the public |
Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetus |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
India |
Authorization of health professional(s)Yes Number and cadre of health-care professional authorizations required
The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments.
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesAccording to the 2021 Act, two registered medical practitioners are required for abortions where the length of the pregnancy exceeds 20 weeks but does not exceed 24 weeks. Where termination is necessitated by the diagnosis of any of the substantial foetal abnormalities, this must be diagnosed by a Medical Board to include: a Gynaecologist; a Paediatrician; a Radiologist or Sonologist; and such other number of members as may be notified in the Official Gazette by the State Government or Union territory, as the case may be. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Authorization in specially licensed facilities onlyYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. To establish an enabling environment, there is a need for abortion care to be integrated into the health system across all levels (including primary, secondary and tertiary) – and supported in the community – to allow for expansion of health worker roles, including self-management approaches. To ensure both access to abortion and achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), abortion must be centred within primary health care (PHC), which itself is fully integrated within the health system, facilitating referral pathways for higher-level care when needed. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.1.
Additional notesThe Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Judicial authorization for minorsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
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Judicial authorization in cases of rapeNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
Additional notesThe guidelines and protocols on medico-legal care for survivors/victims of sexual violence state: “Sexual assault victims cannot be denied treatment in either of these hospitals when they approach them as denial has lately been made a cognizable criminal offence punishable with appropriate jail terms or fines or both. As is known rape law has been made more stringent with zero tolerance for offenders and through these guidelines the aim is to ensure a sensitive and humane approach to such victims, their proper treatment apart from attending or treating doctors responsibility and duty in recording and documenting the medical aspects in order that such cases when they come up before the criminal justice system are not found wanting in the quality of evidence produced by the prosecution during trial.” The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Police report required in case of rapeNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There shall be no procedural requirements to “prove” or “establish” satisfaction of grounds, such as requiring judicial orders or police reports in cases of rape or sexual assault (for sources to support this information). These restrictions subject the individual to unnecessary trauma, may put them at increased risk from the perpetrator, and may cause women to resort to unsafe abortion.
Additional notesThe guidelines and protocols on medico-legal care for survivors/victims of sexual violence state: “Sexual assault victims cannot be denied treatment in either of these hospitals when they approach them as denial has lately been made a cognizable criminal offence punishable with appropriate jail terms or fines or both. As is known rape law has been made more stringent with zero tolerance for offenders and through these guidelines the aim is to ensure a sensitive and humane approach to such victims, their proper treatment apart from attending or treating doctors responsibility and duty in recording and documenting the medical aspects in order that such cases when they come up before the criminal justice system are not found wanting in the quality of evidence produced by the prosecution during trial.” The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Parental consent required for minorsYes Can another adult consent in place of a parent?Yes The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. Age where consent not needed
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesThe Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. Guardian means a person having the care of the minor. |
Spousal consentNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While parental or partner involvement in abortion decision-making can support and assist women, girls or other pregnant persons, this must be based on the values and preferences of the person availing of abortion and not imposed by third-party authorization requirements. Third-party authorization requirements are incompatible with international human rights law, which provides that States may not restrict women’s access to health services on the ground that they do not have the authorization of husbands, partners, parents or health authorities, because they are unmarried, or because they are women. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that abortion be available on the request of the woman, girl or other pregnant person without the authorization of any other individual, body or institution. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.2.
Additional notesThe 2018 Comprehensive Abortion Care Service Delivery Guidelines specifically state that “Only the consent of the woman is required to terminate the pregnancy." The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Ultrasound images or listen to foetal heartbeat requiredNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The right to refuse information, including the right to refuse viewing ultrasound images, must be respected. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against the use of ultrasound scanning as a prerequisite for providing abortion services for both medical and surgical abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.5.
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Compulsory counsellingNo WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. While counselling should be made available and accessible, it should always be voluntary for women to choose whether or not they want to receive it. The right to refuse counselling when offered must be respected. Where provided, counselling must be available to individuals in a way that respects privacy and confidentiality.
Additional notesThe Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Compulsory waiting periodNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mandatory waiting periods delay access to abortion, sometimes to the extent that women’s access to abortion or choice of abortion method is restricted. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against mandatory waiting periods for abortion. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.1.
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Mandatory HIV screening testNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1.
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Other mandatory STI screening testsNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Regulatory, policy and programmatic barriers – as well as barriers in practice – that hinder access to and timely provision of quality abortion care should be removed. Abortion Care Guideline § Box 2.1.
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Prohibition of sex-selective abortionYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. In situations where abortion is restricted for sex selection purposes, terminating a pregnancy for this reason is likely to involve an unsafe procedure carrying high risks. Any policies or guidelines on the use of technology in obstetric and fetal medicine should take into account the need to ensure women’s access to safe abortion and other services - efforts to manage or limit sex selection should also not hamper or limit access to safe abortion services. Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement.
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Restrictions on information provided to the publicNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. Related documents:
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Dissemination of misinformation, withholding of information and censorship should be prohibited.
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Restrictions on methods to detect sex of the foetusYes List of restrictions“No person, including a specialist or a team of specialists in the field of infertility, shall conduct or cause to be conducted or aid in conducting by himself or by any other person, sex selection on a woman or a man or on both or on any tissue, embryo, conceptus, fluid orgametes derived from either or both of them. Prohibition on sale of ultrasound machines, etc., to persons, laboratories, clinics, etc. not registered under the Act- No person shall sell any ultrasound machine or imaging machine or scanner or any other equipment capable of detecting sex of foetus to any Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic or any other person not registered under the Act.” WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. A woman is entitled to know the status of her pregnancy and to act on this information. Prenatal tests and other medical diagnostic services cannot legally be refused because the woman may decide to terminate her pregnancy. Safe Abortion Guidelines § 4.2.1.4.
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OtherThe Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act specifies that pregnancy termination cannot be performed on a woman with a disability without her express consent, except in cases where medical procedure for termination of pregnancy is done in severe cases of disability and with the opinion of a registered medical practitioner and also with the consent of the guardian of the woman with disability. However, the 2022 Training for Early Medical Abortion indicates that for mentally ill women, the consent of the guardian should be taken. |
| Country | National guidelines for induced abortion |
Methods allowed |
Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol) |
Country recognized approval (misoprostol) |
Where can abortion services be provided |
National guidelines for post-abortion care |
Where can post abortion care services be provided |
Contraception included in post-abortion care |
Insurance to offset end user costs |
Who can provide abortion services |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
India |
National guidelines for induced abortionYes, guidelines issued by the government WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3.
Additional notesThe Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Methods allowedVacuum aspirationYes (12 WEEKS) The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. Dilatation and evacuationYes (20 WEEKS) The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. Combination mifepristone-misoprostolYes (63 DAYS 9 WEEKS) Medical Abortion by MTP Act is legal up to 49 days. However, Comprehensive Abortion Care Guidelines have a footnote indicating that it is safe up to 63 days. Combi-pack (1 tablet of mifepristone 200mg & 4 tablets of misoprostol 200mcg) has been approved by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation for up to 63 days gestation in December 2008. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. Misoprostol onlyNot specified Other (where provided)Extra-amniotic instillation (20 WEEKS) The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Vacuum aspiration is recommended for surgical abortions at or under 14 weeks to be provided by traditional and complementary medicine professionals, nurses, midwives, associate/advanced associate clinicians, generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners.
Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is recommended for surgical abortions at or over 14 weeks to be provided by generalist medical practitioners and specialist medical practitioners. Vacuum aspiration can be used during a D&E. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.1.
The recommended method for medical abortion is mifepristone followed by misoprostol (regimen differs by gestational age). Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the use of misoprostol alone, with a regime that differs by gestational age. Evidence demonstrates that the use of combination mifepristone plus misoprostol is more effective than misoprostol alone. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.4.2.
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Country recognized approval (mifepristone / mife-misoprostol)Yes Related documents:Pharmacy selling or distributionNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. The drugs for medical abortion are Schedule H drugs and are to be sold by retail on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner only. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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Country recognized approval (misoprostol)Yes, for gynaecological indications Misoprostol allowed to be sold or distributed by pharmacies or drug storesNot specifiedWhen there is no explicit reference to an issue covered in the questionnaire in the relevant document(s), this is noted and no interpretation was made. The drugs for medical abortion are Schedule H drugs and are to be sold by retail on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner only. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Mifepristone and misoprostol should be listed in relevant national EMLs (NEMLs) or their equivalent and should be included in the relevant clinical care/service delivery guidelines.
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Where can abortion services be providedPrimary health-care centresYes The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesYes The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments.
Private health-care centres or clinicsYes The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments.
Other (if applicable)A place for the time being approved for the purpose of this Act by Government or a District Level Committee constituted by that Government with the Chief Medical officer or District. Health officer as the Chairperson of the said Committee. In case of termination of early pregnancy up to seven weeks using a combination of mifepristone with misoprostol, the RMP can prescribe the drugs at his/her clinic provided he/she has access to a place approved for terminating pregnancy under the MTP Act. In case of an emergency; any pregnancy may be terminated by an RMP to save the life of the woman at an unapproved place. According to the 2018 Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care Service Delivery, under the MTP an abortion can be performed at the following places: A hospital established or maintained by the Government A place approved by the Government or a District Level Committee (DLC) constituted by that Government with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) as the Chairperson of the Committee In case of the termination of an early pregnancy of up to seven weeks using mifepristone (RU486) and misoprostol, the registered medical practitioner, as defined by the MTP Act, can prescribe the drugs at his/her clinic provided he/she has access to a place approved for terminating pregnancies under the MTP Act. The clinic should display a certificate to this effect from the owner of the approved place. In other words, the clinic where medical abortion drugs are prescribed by an approved registered medical practitioner does not need approval as long as it has referral access to an MTP approved site. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
Additional notesThe Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
National guidelines for post-abortion careYes, guidelines issued by the government WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. National standards and guidelines for abortion care should be evidence based and periodically updated and should provide the necessary guidance to achieve equal access to comprehensive abortion care. Leadership should also promote evidence-based SRH services according to these standards and guidelines. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.3.
Additional notesThe Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Where can post abortion care services be providedPrimary health-care centresNot specified Secondary (district-level) health-care facilitiesNot specified Specialized abortion care public facilitiesNot specified Private health-care centres or clinicsNot specified NGO health-care centres or clinicsNot specified WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of telemedicine as an alternative to in-person interactions with the health worker to deliver medical abortion services in whole or in part. Telemedicine services should include referrals (based on the woman’s location) for medicines (abortion and pain control medicines), any abortion care or post-abortion follow-up required (including for emergency care if needed), and for post-abortion contraceptive services. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1.
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Contraception included in post-abortion careYes WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. All contraceptive options may be considered after an abortion. For individuals undergoing surgical abortion and wishing to use contraception, Abortion Care Guideline recommends the option of initiating the contraception at the time of surgical abortion. For individuals undergoing medical abortion, for those who choose to use hormonal contraception, the Abortion Care Guideline suggests that they be given the option of starting hormonal contraception immediately after the first pill of the medical abortion regimen. For those who choose to have an IUD inserted, Abortion Care Guideline suggests IUD placement at the time that success of the abortion procedure is determined. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.5.4.
Additional notesThe Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
No data
Insurance to offset end user costsNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where user fees are charged for abortion, this should be based on careful consideration of ability to pay, and fee waivers should be available for those who are facing financial hardship and adolescent abortion seekers. As far as possible, abortion services and supplies should be mandated for coverage under insurance plans as inability to pay is not an acceptable reason to deny or delay abortion care. Furthermore, having transparent procedures in all health-care facilities can ensure that informal charges are not imposed by staff. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.4.2.
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Who can provide abortion servicesRelated documents:
NurseNot specified According to the 2018 Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care Service Delivery, under the MTP an abortion can be provided by a registered medical practitioner who possesses a recognised medical qualification as defined in the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956; whose name has been entered in a state medical register; and who has such experience or training in gynaecology and obstetrics as prescribed by the MTP Rules made under this Act can provide abortion service. The Rules further prescribe that only those with the following experience or training can perform MTPs: Up to 12 weeks gestation A practitioner who has assisted a registered medical practitioner in the performance of 25 cases of MTP, of which at least five have been done independently in a hospital that has been established or maintained by the Government or at a training institute approved for this purpose by the Government. Up to 20 weeks gestation A practitioner who holds a post-graduate degree or diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has completed six months of house surgency in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has at least one year experience in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology at any hospital that has all facilities. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments.
Midwife/nurse-midwifeNot specified According to the 2018 Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care Service Delivery, under the MTP an abortion can be provided by a registered medical practitioner who possesses a recognised medical qualification as defined in the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956; whose name has been entered in a state medical register; and who has such experience or training in gynaecology and obstetrics as prescribed by the MTP Rules made under this Act can provide abortion service. The Rules further prescribe that only those with the following experience or training can perform MTPs: Up to 12 weeks gestation A practitioner who has assisted a registered medical practitioner in the performance of 25 cases of MTP, of which at least five have been done independently in a hospital that has been established or maintained by the Government or at a training institute approved for this purpose by the Government. Up to 20 weeks gestation A practitioner who holds a post-graduate degree or diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has completed six months of house surgency in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has at least one year experience in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology at any hospital that has all facilities. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments.
Doctor (specialty not specified)Yes According to the 2018 Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care Service Delivery, under the MTP an abortion can be provided by a registered medical practitioner who possesses a recognised medical qualification as defined in the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956; whose name has been entered in a state medical register; and who has such experience or training in gynaecology and obstetrics as prescribed by the MTP Rules made under this Act can provide abortion service. The Rules further prescribe that only those with the following experience or training can perform MTPs: Up to 12 weeks gestation A practitioner who has assisted a registered medical practitioner in the performance of 25 cases of MTP, of which at least five have been done independently in a hospital that has been established or maintained by the Government or at a training institute approved for this purpose by the Government. Up to 20 weeks gestation A practitioner who holds a post-graduate degree or diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has completed six months of house surgency in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has at least one year experience in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology at any hospital that has all facilities. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments.
Specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes According to the 2018 Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care Service Delivery, under the MTP an abortion can be provided by a registered medical practitioner who possesses a recognised medical qualification as defined in the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956; whose name has been entered in a state medical register; and who has such experience or training in gynaecology and obstetrics as prescribed by the MTP Rules made under this Act can provide abortion service. The Rules further prescribe that only those with the following experience or training can perform MTPs: Up to 12 weeks gestation A practitioner who has assisted a registered medical practitioner in the performance of 25 cases of MTP, of which at least five have been done independently in a hospital that has been established or maintained by the Government or at a training institute approved for this purpose by the Government. Up to 20 weeks gestation A practitioner who holds a post-graduate degree or diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has completed six months of house surgency in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has at least one year experience in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology at any hospital that has all facilities. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments.
Other (if applicable)Registered medical practitioner: To conduct termination of pregnancy up to 9 weeks by medical methods of abortion, a registered medical practitioner shall have (i) experience at any hospital for a period of not less than three months in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology; or (ii) has independently performed ten cases of pregnancy termination by medical methods of abortion under the supervision of a Registered Medical Practitioner in a hospital established or maintained, or a training institute approved for this purpose, by the Government. According to the 2018 Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care Service Delivery, under the MTP an abortion can be provided by a registered medical practitioner who possesses a recognised medical qualification as defined in the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956; whose name has been entered in a state medical register; and who has such experience or training in gynaecology and obstetrics as prescribed by the MTP Rules made under this Act can provide abortion service. The Rules further prescribe that only those with the following experience or training can perform MTPs:
Up to 12 weeks gestation A practitioner who has assisted a registered medical practitioner in the performance of 25 cases of MTP, of which at least five have been done independently in a hospital that has been established or maintained by the Government or at a training institute approved for this purpose by the Government.
Up to 20 weeks gestation A practitioner who holds a post-graduate degree or diploma in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has completed six months of house surgency in obstetrics and gynaecology; A practitioner who has at least one year experience in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology at any hospital that has all facilities. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments.
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments.
WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends against regulation on who can provide and manage abortion that is inconsistent with WHO guidance. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.8.
Additional notesThe Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971 states that it extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. |
Extra facility/provider requirements for delivery of abortion servicesReferral linkages to a higher-level facilityYes For Medical Methods of Abortion (MMA), up to seven weeks gestation, drugs can be prescribed in outdoor clinics with an established referral linkage to an MTP approved site. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. Availability of a specialist doctor, including OB/GYNYes According to the 2018 Guidelines for Comprehensive Abortion Care Service Delivery, under the MTP an abortion can be performed at the following places: A hospital established or maintained by the Government A place approved by the Government or a District Level Committee (DLC) constituted by that Government with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) as the Chairperson of the Committee In case of the termination of an early pregnancy of up to seven weeks using mifepristone (RU486) and misoprostol, the registered medical practitioner, as defined by the MTP Act, can prescribe the drugs at his/her clinic provided he/she has access to a place approved for terminating pregnancies under the MTP Act. The clinic should display a certificate to this effect from the owner of the approved place. In other words, the clinic where medical abortion drugs are prescribed by an approved registered medical practitioner does not need approval as long as it has referral access to an MTP approved site. The Government has yet to update and amend the 2018 guidelines in line with the 2021 amendments. Minimum number of bedsNot specified Other (if applicable)In case of termination beyond 24 weeks of pregnancy, facilities shall have (a) an operation table and instruments for performing abdominal or gynaecological surgery; (b) anaesthetic equipment, resuscitation equipment and sterilisation equipment; (c) availability of drugs, parental fluids and blood for emergency use, as may be notified by the Central Government from time to time; and (d) facilities for procedure under ultrasound guidance. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. There is no single recommended approach to providing abortion services. The choice of specific health worker(s) (from among the recommended options) or management by the individual themself, and the location of service provision (from among recommended options) will depend on the values and preferences of the woman, girl or other pregnant person, available resources, and the national and local context. A plurality of service-delivery approaches can co-exist within any given context. Given that service-delivery approaches can be diverse, it is important to ensure that for the individual seeking care, the range of service-delivery options taken together will provide access to scientifically accurate, understandable information at all stages; access to quality-assured medicines (including those for pain management); back-up referral support if desired or needed; linkages to an appropriate choice of contraceptive services for those who want post-abortion contraception. Best Practice Statement 49 on service delivery. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.6.1.
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| Country | Public sector providers |
Private sector providers |
Provider type not specified |
Neither Type of Provider Permitted |
Public facilities |
Private facilities |
Facility type not specified |
Neither Type of Facility Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
India |
No data
Public sector providersNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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No data
Private sector providersNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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No data
Provider type not specifiedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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No data
Neither Type of Provider PermittedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. The Abortion Care Guideline recommends that access to and continuity of comprehensive abortion care be protected against barriers created by conscientious objection. It is critical that States ensure compliance with regulations and design/organize health systems to ensure access to and continuity of quality abortion care. If it proves impossible to regulate conscientious objection in a way that respects, protects and fulfils abortion seekers’ rights, conscientious objection in abortion provision may become indefensible. Abortion Care Guideline § 3.3.9.
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No data
Public facilitiesNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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No data
Private facilitiesNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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No data
Facility type not specifiedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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No data
Neither Type of Facility PermittedNo data found WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions were extracted from WHO Abortion Care Guideline. Where there is a specific Recommendation, this is stated. Otherwise, these are excerpts. Where it is lawful, abortion must be accessible in practice. This requires both ensuring that health-care facilities, commodities and services are accessible (including sufficient providers), and that law and policy on abortion is formulated, interpreted and applied in a way that is compatible with human rights. Abortion Care Guideline § 1.3.1.
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Concluding Observations issued by respective treaty bodies and selected extracts related to abortion.
| Country | CAT |
CEDAW |
CERD |
CESCR |
CRC |
CRPD |
HRC |
IE HAIT |
SR HEALTH |
SR TORTURE |
SR VAW |
WG-DWLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
India |
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CEDAW“The Committee is concerned about the continuing deterioration in the ratio of females to males despite the Pre-conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Technique (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, as amended in 2003. The Committee is further concerned that this Act may result in criminalization of women who are pressured into seeking sex-selective abortions. The Committee calls upon the State party to ensure that adequate mechanisms and procedures for effective implementation and monitoring of the Pre-conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Technique (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act be established, including safeguards to prevent criminalization of women who are pressurized into seeking sex-selective abortions. The Committee continues to be concerned about the status of women’s health, including the maternal mortality rate in rural areas, which is among the highest in the world; the high prevalence of infectious diseases, especially food and water-borne diseases; malnutrition; anaemia; unsafe abortions; HIV infections; and inadequacy of services relating to obstetrics and family planning. While noting the programmes outlined in the report to improve women’s access to health care and to decrease maternal mortality, the Committee is concerned that it has not been provided information about the impact of such programmes and measures. It is also concerned that the State party lacks reliable data on women’s health status, including on pregnancy and non-pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality and HIV infections, owing to which it is unable to establish benchmarks and monitor progress. In addition, the Committee is concerned that the privatization of health services has an adverse impact on women’s capacity to access such services. The Committee urges the State party to pay increased attention to female health throughout the life cycle, including in key areas of pregnancy and non‑pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, in light of general recommendations 24 and 25. It calls upon the State party to strengthen food security, primary health care and adequate sanitation, especially in rural areas; establish mechanisms to monitor women’s access to health care and health-delivery systems; and increase the allocation of resources to health care. The Committee urges the State party to prioritize decreasing maternal mortality rates by establishing adequate obstetric delivery services and ensuring women access to health services, including safe abortion and gender-sensitive comprehensive contraceptive services. It recommends that the State party provide detailed information in its next periodic report about the impact, and trends over time, of programmes to improve women’s access to health care and decrease maternal mortality. It calls upon the State party to balance the roles of public and private health providers in order to maximize resources and the reach of health services. It calls upon the State party to monitor the privatization of health care and its impact on the health of poor women and provide such information in its next periodic report.”
“The Committee (...) is further concerned about the persistence of harmful traditional practices in the State party, such as child marriage, the dowry system, so-called “honour killings”, sex-selective abortion, sati, devadasi and accusing women of witchcraft. The Committee is particularly concerned that the State party has not taken sufficient sustained and systematic action to modify or eliminate stereotypes and harmful practices. (…) While noting efforts by the State party to achieve greater coverage of maternal health services, the Committee is concerned about the persistently high rate of maternal mortality in some states and the high rate of deaths resulting from unsafe abortion, lack of access to safe abortion, post-abortion care and high-quality services for the management of complications arising from unsafe abortion. The Committee is also concerned at the scant budgetary resources allocated to health services, the disparities in maternal health care, including between urban and rural areas, the limited availability and accessibility of modern forms of contraception, including emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy, the lack of information and education on reproductive and sexual health, conditional maternity benefits that exclude some women and the lack of a mechanism for universal and accurate reporting of maternal deaths. The Committee urges the State party: (a) To review reproductive health policies to make them more inclusive, with a view to increasing high-quality maternal health services in the states in which they are lacking, removing conditions from maternal benefits, ensuring adequate funding for reproductive health services, including provision of reproductive health information and education, and that they effectively cover urban and rural areas; (b) To provide women with access to high-quality and safe abortion services, including to manage complications arising from unsafe abortion, and to increase access to and use of effective and affordable methods of contraception, including by subsidizing them, in order to reduce the use of abortion as a method of family planning; (c) To adopt a policy for mandatory and accurate reporting of maternal deaths, irrespective of whether the deaths occur in public or private health facilities, homes or on the way to a health facility, and to establish a system to monitor the delivery of transparent health-care services effectively.”
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CESCR“The Committee is concerned about the weak enforcement of the Pre-conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Technique (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, as amended in 2003, which has resulted in the high rate of abortions of the girl foetus and a skewed sex ratio which continues to worsen.”
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CRC“The Committee is deeply concerned about the pervasive discrimination against girls and women in the State party and the persistent patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted stereotypes and practices that perpetuate discrimination against girls. The Committee is further concerned that, owing to longstanding traditions and cultural influences that perpetuate the preference for boys and the unequal status of girls, sex-selective abortions, female infanticide and abandonment of girls remain widespread, resulting in, inter alia, a high male-to-female ratio. The Committee urges the State party to adopt a comprehensive approach and take effective and systematic action to prevent and combat social, cultural and economic discrimination against girls and women, including taking into account the root causes, social and institutional norms and practices that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Convention and that perpetuate discrimination against girls. The Committee further recommends that the State party: (a) Take urgent measures to ensure the achievement of its sex ratio target (950 girls to 1,000 boys) in line with its 12th National Five-Year Development Plan; (b) Take immediate legal and policy measures to prevent female infanticide and abandonment of girls, including by raising awareness and addressing factors that reinforce cultural norms and practices that discriminate against girls; (c) Ensure the effective implementation of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act so as to prevent sex-selective abortions and strengthen regulatory mechanisms. (…) Referring to its general comment no. 4 (2003) on adolescent health, the committee recommends that the state party: (a) Ensure the effective implementation of the strategy on adolescent reproductive and sexual health and that sexual and reproductive health education is part of the mandatory school curriculum and targeted at adolescent girls and boys, with special attention on preventing early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections; (b) Take measures to ensure that adolescent girls and boys have effective access to confidential sexual and reproductive health information and services, such as modern contraception and legal abortions for girls, in practice. in that context , the state party should guarantee that the views of pregnant teenagers are always heard and respected in abortion decisions; (...)"
“The Committee notes the persistence of discriminatory social attitudes and harmful traditional practices towards girls, including female infanticide, selective abortions, low school enrolment and high drop-out rates, early and forced marriages, and religion-based personal status laws which perpetuate gender inequality in areas such as marriage, divorce, custody and guardianship of infants, and inheritance. (…) The Committee recommends that the State party take all necessary steps to adapt, expand and implement the Integrated Management of Child Illness strategy, and to pay particular attention to the most vulnerable groups of the population. The Committee also recommends that the State party undertake studies to determine the socio-cultural factors which lead to practices such as female infanticide and selective abortions, and to develop strategies to address them. The Committee recommends continued allocation of resources to the poorest sections of society and continued cooperation with and technical assistance from, inter alia, WHO, UNICEF, the World Food Programme and civil society.”
“In addition to its recommendations regarding gender discrimination (para. 30), the Committee strongly recommends that the State party: (a) Take all necessary steps to ensure the implementation of the Pre‑conception and Pre‑natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994; (b) Further develop massive awareness campaigns, involving parents, communities, law enforcement officers, etc., and take the necessary measures, including imposing sanctions to end the practice of selective abortions and female infanticide; and (c) Undertake gender impact studies when planning programmes relating to economic and social policies.
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CRPD“The Committee is concerned about: (a) Continuing lawful practices of forced sterilization, forced contraception and forced abortion, particularly affecting women with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities in institutions;[…] […]The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Repeal section 92 (f) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act on the exception to the requirement of consent to abortion in women with “severe” disabilities and legislation authorizing medical treatment on the basis of third-party consent, and provide all persons with disabilities with supported decision-making mechanisms for expressing prior and informed consent to medical treatment;..”
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SR VAW"Customary practices in the family and community point to a pattern of daughter aversion and son preference. Research has documented a trend of declining girl-child sex ratio from 962 per 1,000 males in 1981, to 945 in 1991, to 927 in 2001, to 914 in 2011. Patriarchal norms and socioeconomic factors have reportedly fuelled the decline. The desire for sons has led to a “policing” of pregnancies by spouses and families through prenatal monitoring systems. The results can lead to sex-selective abortions, which are often forced on women in violation of their sexual and reproductive rights. Despite specific legislation to address this problem, including stringent measures in case of contravention, there is a continuing prevalence of sex-selection practices in some states. Furthermore, some of those measures are perceived as the State policing pregnancies broadly and violating women’s sexual and reproductive choices."
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Country specific information regarding abortion related penalties. Information regarding penalties has been presented in English only; this information is not based on an official translation. Please review the source documents provided.
| Country | Penalties deconstructed |
Penalties for woman |
Penalties for provider |
Penalties for person who assists |
Secondary additional considerations/judicial discretion |
Penalties for non-consensual abortion and or negligence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
India |
Penalties deconstructedLegal grounds specified; penalties for all other abortions |
Penalties312. Causing miscarriage- Whoever voluntarily causes a woman with child to miscarry, shall if such miscarriage be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both; and, if the woman be quick with child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.-A woman who causes herself to miscarry, is within the meaning of this section. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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Penalties312. Causing miscarriage- Whoever voluntarily causes a woman with child to miscarry, shall if such miscarriage be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both; and, if the woman be quick with child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.-A woman who causes herself to miscarry, is within the meaning of this section. 313. Causing miscarriage without woman's consent - Whoever commits the offence defined in the last preceding section without the consent of the woman, whether the woman is quick with child or not, shall be punished with 2*[imprisonment for life], or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. 314. Death caused by act done with intent to cause miscarriage.-- Whoever, with intent to cause the miscarriage of a woman with child, does any act which causes the death of such woman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine; if act done without woman's consent. if act done without woman's consent.--and if the act is done without the consent of the woman, shall be punished either with 2*[imprisonment for life], or with the punishment above mentioned. Explanation.-It is not essential to this offence that the offender should know that the act is likely to cause death. 315. Act done with intent to prevent child being born alive or to cause it to die after birth.--Whoever before the birth of any child does any act with the intention of thereby preventing that child from being born alive or causing it to die after its birth, and does by such act prevent that child from being born alive, or causes it to die after its birth, shall, if such act be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the mother, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both. 316. Causing death of quick unborn child by act amounting to culpable homicide.--Whoever does any act under such circumstances, that if he thereby caused death he would be guilty of culpablehomicide, and does by such act cause the death of a quick unborn child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Illustration A, knowing that he is likely to cause the death of a pregnant woman, does an act which, if it caused the death of the woman, would amount to culpable homicide. The woman is injured, but does not die; but the death of an unborn quick child with which she is pregnant is thereby caused. A is guilty of the offence defined in this section. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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Penalties312. Causing miscarriage- Whoever voluntarily causes a woman with child to miscarry, shall if such miscarriage be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the woman, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both; and, if the woman be quick with child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Explanation.-A woman who causes herself to miscarry, is within the meaning of this section. 313. Causing miscarriage without woman's consent - Whoever commits the offence defined in the last preceding section without the consent of the woman, whether the woman is quick with child or not, shall be punished with 2*[imprisonment for life], or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. 314. Death caused by act done with intent to cause miscarriage.-- Whoever, with intent to cause the miscarriage of a woman with child, does any act which causes the death of such woman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine; if act done without woman's consent. if act done without woman's consent.--and if the act is done without the consent of the woman, shall be punished either with 2*[imprisonment for life], or with the punishment above mentioned. Explanation.-It is not essential to this offence that the offender should know that the act is likely to cause death. 315. Act done with intent to prevent child being born alive or to cause it to die after birth.--Whoever before the birth of any child does any act with the intention of thereby preventing that child from being born alive or causing it to die after its birth, and does by such act prevent that child from being born alive, or causes it to die after its birth, shall, if such act be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the mother, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both. 316. Causing death of quick unborn child by act amounting to culpable homicide.--Whoever does any act under such circumstances, that if he thereby caused death he would be guilty of culpablehomicide, and does by such act cause the death of a quick unborn child, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. Illustration A, knowing that he is likely to cause the death of a pregnant woman, does an act which, if it caused the death of the woman, would amount to culpable homicide. The woman is injured, but does not die; but the death of an unborn quick child with which she is pregnant is thereby caused. A is guilty of the offence defined in this section. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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PenaltiesNone found |
Penalties313. Causing miscarriage without woman's consent - Whoever commits the offence defined in the last preceding section without the consent of the woman, whether the woman is quick with child or not, shall be punished with 2*[imprisonment for life], or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine. 314. Death caused by act done with intent to cause miscarriage.-- Whoever, with intent to cause the miscarriage of a woman with child, does any act which causes the death of such woman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine; if act done without woman's consent. if act done without woman's consent.--and if the act is done without the consent of the woman, shall be punished either with 2*[imprisonment for life], or with the punishment above mentioned. Explanation.-It is not essential to this offence that the offender should know that the act is likely to cause death. WHO GuidanceThe following descriptions and recommendations were extracted from WHO guidance on safe abortion. International, regional and national human rights bodies and courts increasingly recommend decriminalization of abortion, and provision of abortion care, to protect a woman’s life and health, and in cases of rape, based on a woman’s complaint. WHO Abortion Care Guideline, p 62.
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